The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have partnered to launch a critical dialogue aimed at enhancing national capacities in youth, peace, and security (YPS) in Liberia. This regional youth dialogue is part of efforts to develop a comprehensive National Action Plan on YPS.
The initiative seeks to create a safe space where young people both women and men from Liberia and Benin can openly express their concerns, aspirations, and ideas about the National Action Plan. It also aims to deepen understanding among key stakeholders about the challenges that limit youth participation in peace and security processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and gather best practices for empowering youth in these areas.
The two –day dialogue, which began on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia, was organized in collaboration with several partners, including the ECOWAS Commission, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, UNOWAS, Women Africa for Development (WAD), West African Young Women Leaders, and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
This event represents a significant step toward meaningful youth engagement in peace and security, particularly as Liberia’s youth make up 75% of the country’s population.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Youth and Sports, J. Cole Bangalu, highlighted the importance of youth leadership and participation in national decision-making. He stated, “When I hear young people say they want to be ministers, I see that as a positive aspiration. But recently, while sitting with the president at a youth program, we discussed the fact that if 74% to 75% of our population is made up of young people, then these youths have the power to elect other young people into the House or Senate.”
Minister Bangalu stressed that part of the strategy for peace and security should involve placing qualified young people in positions of influence with security of tenure. “If young people are empowered to hold secure positions, it will make a significant contribution. However, I must admit that even the current government, of which I’m a part, is creating some of the bottlenecks that lead to insecurity.”
He then cited a recent meeting he had with the motorcycle and tricycle union, the Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police. “The young people raised issues, and while the police aim to clear the streets for better traffic flow, my goal is to ensure that these young people are employed. When our goals conflict, we need dialogue, for instance, a motorcycle costs around US$900 to US$950, but before it can operate, it requires insurance costing US$120 per year and a US$45 license fee. Yet, minor traffic infractions result in police seizing these motorcycles, which often sit at police stations indefinitely.”
Minister Bangalu shared the story of a young man who was imprisoned in Kakata after his motorcycle was seized and later sold off by the owner. “All of this is unfair,” he said. “But we reached an agreement—starting soon, these young people will pay a small fine of US$10 for minor infractions and get their motorcycles back.”
The minister emphasized the need for regulation, not perpetual punishment. “The police should focus on ensuring that bikes are registered, enforcing no-go zones, and maintaining order—not keeping bikes indefinitely.”
He warned of the risks young people face in conflict situations. “If we’re not careful, young people, who are often victims of conflict and radicalization, could be exploited. That’s why these discussions must be inclusive. Political party youth leaders need to be involved.”
Minister Bangalu acknowledged the presence of Unity Party Youth Congress Chairman Melvin Seaford but stressed the need for broader political involvement. He also questioned whether the national development plan being drafted by the Ministry of Finance fully considers the needs of young people. “Youth policies should be driven by young people themselves, not just imposed by organizations like UNICEF. They can provide funding, but youth should lead the way in developing policies that reflect their needs.”
Finally, the minister urged a more nuanced approach to youth development noting that, “there are different categories of youth, and we must look beyond the surface to address their diverse needs effectively.”
UNFPA Country Representative Bidisha Pillai also spoke during the event, expressing gratitude on behalf of UNFPA to the Government of Liberia and its citizens for over 20 years of peace.
She highlighted that Liberia has reached new democratic heights in Africa, with the nation’s young people playing a pivotal role in this success.
“I am particularly pleased to witness the strong collaboration and co-creation among Liberia’s youth, civil society, government ministries represented here today—including the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Internal Affairs, and Foreign Affairs—as well as the legislature and the UN family,” she said. “Together, we are embarking on a transformative journey to reshape how we engage young people and harness their potential as agents and champions of peace.”
Pillai emphasized that since the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, significant progress has been made—often driven by youth-led advocacy and action. “Liberia’s young people are at the heart of this global and national progress.”
She stressed that with 75% of Liberia’s population under the age of 35, young people represent a vast and untapped resource for peace and development. Their meaningful engagement is essential. “Youth participation must be prioritized from the outset of any peacebuilding and development initiative, as we are witnessing today.”
Pillai also highlighted the crucial role of youth involvement in conflict prevention, peaceful conflict resolution, and sustainable development. “When young people are involved, institutions become more accountable, and decision-making becomes more inclusive and relevant to the needs and aspirations of all. This is critical for preventing instability, resolving conflicts, and fostering trust,” she emphasized.
The UNFPA encourages continued efforts to mainstream youth in all matters related to peace and security, particularly through inclusive and effective engagement of young people—especially young women—in policy discussions and programming. “If we don’t have a seat at the table, our voices will not be heard,” she added.
Since the inception of Liberia’s program to enhance national youth peace and security capacities, young people have remained actively engaged. Today’s consultation marks a continuation of this engagement, with this two-day dialogue serving as the first of two regional consultative processes aimed at gathering stakeholder input to develop a fully representative National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security for Liberia.
The UN continues to support the Ministry of Youth and Sports in revising the National Youth Policy, ensuring alignment with Liberia’s broader National Development Plan.
Pillai expressed gratitude to the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA) and the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel for their continued support. She also thanked the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports, for its leadership and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for its collaboration.
Above all, she commended the youth groups, stakeholders, and all participants for their commitment to advancing Liberia’s youth peace and security agenda.
”UNFPA stands with you, supports you, and invests in your leadership. We will continue working with our partners to shape a human rights-based, evidence-informed, and gender-inclusive youth, peace, and security agenda in Liberia,” she concluded.
